Fresh review by outside force ordered by Police Scotland into misconduct at the SCDEA

Police Scotland have asked an external force to examine “unsatisfactory and unprofessional” conduct by a now defunct undercover policing unit.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone revealed he has asked for a peer review of the actions allegedly carried out at the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency in 2011.

He said that while he was “entirely satisfied” that a review of the SCDEA by an in-house team was “robust and appropriate”, he understands that public confidence in covert policing is vital.

The policing chief said he would ensure the force would take further action if the probe finds any further lines of enquiry or recommendations.

The misconduct was revealed by a former employee of the SCDEA who claimed she was frozen out of the job after raising concerns about the actions within the unit.

She raised a civil court action against her former bosses and told how she had discovered concerning documents in a covert mailbox which was operated by a fellow sergeant.

The woman, known as Mrs K, told a senior officer of her concerns before going back to a premises she had been using as office which she discovered it had been ransacked.

The former Grampian officer, who was seconded to the covert unit, also told how she and a colleague were told to buy a garden incinerator and petrol to destroy documents.

An internal investigation was launched where the woman was questioned by detectives over two and half days which left her feeling “degraded”.

She was then told she was being suspended from her role as an undercover operative and moved to work in witness protection.

At the Court of Session in Edinburgh, Lord Brailsford ruled in the woman’s favour after she raised the action against former Chief Constable Sir Stephen House.

It is understood that lawyers for Police Scotland are appealing the decision.

The SCDEA no longer exists as it was incorporated into Police Scotland, which replaced the former eight-force model in April 2013.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone will update the Scottish Police Authority on the latest probe at a meeting in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

In a report, he said: “It is clear that the events which took place in the legacy SCDEA in 2011, as described in the civil action, were wholly unsatisfactory and unprofessional.

“I have now considered Police Scotland Review Team’s conclusions and recommendations. “While I am entirely satisfied that the review was a thorough, robust and appropriate response, I recognise the legitimate interest that exists about what took place in 2011, and the importance of public confidence in the vital area of covert policing.

“To that end, I have requested that an external force, which has significant knowledge and experience in the area of covert policing, carry out a peer review to provide independent assurance.

“The purpose of this independent peer review is to ensure all legitimate enquiries have been carried out, and to identify whether there are any further lines of investigation which should be pursued.

“On completion and receipt of the peer review, I will determine what steps, if any, are required to ensure the integrity of the Police Scotland response and provide further public reassurance over this episode.”

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Police Scotland is “struggling” to keep its buildings, vehicles and computer equipment functioning because of a lack of cash, MSPs have been told.

And senior figures from the force have warned that the condition of police stations and other parts of the estate could get worse unless additional resources were found.

David Page, deputy chief officer with Police Scotland, said that as it stood the force was effectively “putting band aids” on to try to deal with problems with buildings, vehicles and computer systems. He stated: “We’ve got to try to keep the fleet, estate and ICT working, which we are struggling to do.”

He spoke out at the same time as chief financial officer James Gray said the force had not yet received any indication as to whether it would get extra money for capital spending next year.

He said: “We do have a positive case around the benefits we can bring through getting our asset base, our buildings, our vehicles and our ICT into a fit-for-purpose state for policing in the 21st century. I think it is understood we do require additional capital funding, and we await the outcome of the budget to see if that reflects what we have said in hard cash.”

Their comments came after the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – which represents rank and file officers – said earlier this year that two police stations should be closed because of health and safety concerns.

Oban police station was described as “unfit for human habitation”, with mould and crumbling plasterwork, while the station at Lochgilphead had suffered a rat infestation.

“Police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, this unique circumstance should be recognised in the legal system and treated as an aggravation,” said SPF east are committee chair, Andrew Malcolm.

“Protective equipment needs to be reviewed and requires investment, Taser should be issued as standard.”

One of Police Scotland's top officers described his disgust at the "recklessness" displayed.

David Hamilton, from the Scottish Police Federation, Tweeted: "Absolutely appalled that yet another Police Officer has been injured by morons who think that the throwing of Pyrotechnics at Police Officers is in anyway acceptable.

"@ScotsPolFed continue to push for legislation that will protect officers and the public from these explosives."

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, said: "The majority of those who took part in the processions listened to us and complied with our instructions.

"I am, however, disgusted at the recklessness and stupidity of those who decided to throw pyrotechnics, one of which injured an officer.

"He was simply carrying out a duty which allows us to facilitate people's rights and ultimately we were here today to keep everybody safe."

Police said the officer was taken to hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.